Craigslist Tips

Almost every time I tell someone I use Craigslist, I get a weird look.  Like "Are you crazy , that's so dangerous." The only people who don't judge me for using it, are those who have used it themselves and had a good experience.   I think the Craigslist Killer has ruined it for a lot of people, thanks a lot, loser.
Anyway, so after I tell people about my wonderful experiences with it, they seem to loosen up and decide they will check it out.  I have a few rules I follow to help those of you out there who have yet to find your treasures through the wonders of the Internet.

#1~ When answering an ad, be polite and specific. You are more likely to get a quick response and potentially get the piece.  When I get a rude response from some one, or they are very wishy washy  I just delete their email.
You want to do business with someone who seems reliable and polite.

#2~ Go with your gut instinct.  I can't stress this enough.  If something doesn't feel quite right to you, listen to your feelings and move on. 

#3~ When going to a house to pick up a piece, always bring someone with you.  Whether it be your friend, husband, older child or your sweet old grandma, bring a buddy.

#4~When picking up a piece, never go into the house to get your items.  If at all possible, request they have the items outside for you to look at.  If they can't meet that request, move on.  Also if you are selling something from your own house, have the items out side for them to look at. 

#5~ If something you want seems to be priced too high, don't be afraid to negotiate.  Many people are desperate to make a sale, and will go down on their price if you are willing to buy quickly.

These are my top five rules I follow, I feel they have worked very well for me.  I have been using Craigslist for several years now.  Bought many pieces of furniture and got several nanny jobs.  I know there are people who have bad experiences, but if you follow these helpful tips and a few of your own, you will be fine. If you use Craigslist, or any other types of Internet classifieds, tell me your tips!

Here's my latest acquisition from good ole' Craig
I don't think I can bring myself to paint this baby. I'm in the process of sanding it down right now. 
Reveal coming next week!

18 comments:

  1. Ha ha.. just what we were talking about! Love the new piece and can't wait to see what you do with it!

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  2. Great find!! And great tips!

    My friend always thinks I'm nuts for buying and selling on Craigslist. But if you use common sense, you are fine. Mostly I've met very nice people! :)

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  3. That piece is GORGEOUS!!! I cannot wait to see what you do with it!

    Can I add something for craigslist shoppers? I sell quite a bit on craigslist (and shop, too) and agree with all of your rules, especially about having things outside.

    I would add two things:
    *Just as you wouldn't go to someone's home alone, don't ever be alone when someone is coming to your home. My neighbor is always happy to come sit with me when my husband isn't home.
    *Also, as a shopper, don't wait till you're staring at a piece to really lowball the seller. It is rude. It you're going to offer less than half of asking price, do it up front, so that you don't waste your time & the sellers. They may agree to the price, but they may not, so you'll save yourself a trip.

    thanks!

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  4. I love Craigslist too. I am relatively new to it and I could be overly cautious. I have not yet sold anything large that I couldn't transport in my car. When I have posted something, like baby equipment - or something that can be transported in my car, instead of posting the small township that i live in, i post the nearest larger city and then I will meet them in a public place, like a restaurant parking lot. Whenever I have gone to someone's house to pick up furniture, I always have someone go with me. So far, everyone has had their items outside for me to look at. I have never asked someone to make sure they have the item outside. That's a great tip. I just think these sellers were being as cautious as I was. So far, I have had only good experiences.

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  5. love your latest craig find.. its gorgeous. I stalk craigs list but have been too chicken to actually call .. lot of creeps out there. One day i'll get the nerve, thanks for your tips.

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  6. Great tips! I also try to only deal with women, and include a phone call to assess whether or not they are "normal." I LOVE that dresser...oh how I wish I could find pieces like that here.

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  7. Great find. I still haven't even logged on to Craig's List - I'm so behind the times!

    Can't wait to see how you work your magic!

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  8. You must have read my mind! I'm actually going to look at a small desk this weekend that I found on Craigslist. I've usually gone by myself (when dealing with other women), but your #3 reminds me to be a bit more cautious!

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  9. that dresser is GORGEOUS. oh my goodness! it would be pretty refinished, but it is the kind of piece that would really look beautiful painted as well! can't wait to see what you do to it!!

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  10. Good tips! Thanks for visiting my blog! By the way, your great yellow dresser from an earlier post has inspired me to open my mind to more colors.

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  11. What a great dresser! Amazing lines and detail. Can't wait to see it once you're done with it. I have for the most part had good luck with CraigsList and have met some very nice people. I did have one very scary experience though which turned me away for awhile. I now always make sure either my husband or someone is home with me and always talk to them on the phone first to get a better feel. I never give my address out before talking to them. But, overall CL is a great place to buy and sell.

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  12. What a beautiful dresser/highboy, whatever you call it. :) So pretty and great detail work.

    I'm taking your button too btw! Love your blog. :)

    -Sondra

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  13. This is an AMAZING piece, so much potential! I don't even want to know how much you got it for because I'm sure I'd be jealous :) Can't wait to see what you do with it...

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  14. That dresser is awesome! Can't wait to see it all fixed up!

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  15. Great tips. I too love CL. One more tip that I think is worth sharing... Do a Google and Facebook search on the email address and Google search on the person's name.

    Recently, I almost went to look at a rocking chair and discovered on a google search that the seller's home was once raided by the FBI for selling stolen goods!! It was a very unique name. I did not go.

    Today I did a facebook search on a person who wants to buy a dining set and her info put me at ease having her come to my house.

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  16. Absolutely FANTASTIC piece! Love it! I am an avid craigslister! Your tips are right on. Can't wait to see this piece finished!

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  17. I LOVE Craigslist! I ,too, follow these rules...I will be linking back here in the future for others to see this!

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